9 spring plants recommended by Ulf Nordfjell

1 Camassia leichtlinii

subsp. suksdorfii This camassia, with a vividblue flower spike offset by a dark stem, is a relatively new introduction to Sweden. It spreads easily and Ulf likes to plant it in big clumps. 1.5m. RHS H4, USDA 5a-9b†.

2 Fritillaria ‘ Beethoven’ This new cultivar is a pretty soft orange, with a brownish red stem. It tones beautifully with the branches of the bushes in early spring before they come into leaf. 60cm. RHS H7, USDA 5a-8b.

3 Sesleria nitida This greyish-blue moor grass is Ulf’s signature grass for spring. It has silvery buds and combines really well with early bulbs, especially narcissi and camassias, and later with Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’. 60cm. RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b. 4 Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’ In bud, this lovely bush looks as if it’s covered in silvery pearls. In this garden Ulf has combined it with a multi-stemmed crab apple Malus sargentii. 2.5m. AGM*. RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.

5 Viola ‘Belmont Blue’ This reliably hardy viola is a soft shade of blue. It is low-growing and one of Ulf’s favourite edging plants. 10cm. RHS H6, USDA 7b-9b. 6 Chaenomeles x superba ‘Crimson and Gold’ The burnished colour of the flowers of this robust bush, known as the Japanese quince, looks stunning combined with silver grasses and bushes. An excellent choice for a seashore garden. 1.5m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b. 7 Tulipa orphanidea Whittallii Group The flowers of this little species tulip have warm brownish red tones that contrast beautifully with the silver-grey foliage of Stachys byzantina. 30cm. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 3a-8b. 8 Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ Ulf finds this is of the best longliving spurge cultivars suitable for Sweden. However, its bright colour means it’s one he uses sparingly, otherwise he feels it can be too dominant. 60cm. RHS H7, USDA 5a-10b.

9 Amelanchier lamarckii In this garden, Ulf has used the umbrella form of this shrub or multi-stemmed tree, also known as snowy mespilus. He loves the colour of its coppery early foliage followed by starbursts of white flowers. 8-12m. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 4a-9b.